Two productions, two chances to see 'The Nutcracker' this weekend. / REGISTER FILE PHOTO

Blenders return with holiday tunes, more

The Minneapolis vocal quartet The Blenders bring its annual holiday show to town this week. The group will be backed by a live band and will perform a mixture of Christmas standards and original music.

Sip wine, hear seasonal classics

The local Odyssey Trio — Kristin Maahs (harp), Sandra Moore Wacha (flute) and Mary Pshonik (cello) — strikes up a few seasonal classics in the holly-bedecked halls of Salisbury House and Gardens. A complimentary wine reception will be offered 45 minutes before the performance.

'Entertaining the Troops' recalls 1943

The Final Act Ensemble puts a vintage spin on holiday theater with their production of “Entertaining the Troops, 1943,” re-creating a World War II performance from the golden age of radio. The show includes a series of short, holiday- themed radio plays, songs from the era and commercials.